Day 143

Scripture: Ps 145:8-9, 15-22 and Isaiah 55:1-5; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21


Scripture standout: 


Psalm 145: "⁸ The LORD is gracious and compassionate, 

   slow to anger and rich in love.

 ⁹ The LORD is good to all;
   he has compassion on all he has made."

Matthew 14: "¹⁶ Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”


Morning thoughts: It's funny, I was just getting annoyed that I had to get another meal ready...and all I wanted to do is sit and have some coffee. Then this. Hmmm, I guess that's what good moms and dads do: they don't send anyone away, they give their children sustenance and food...three times and day-plus. Happy Sunday, and thank you David for sensing my coffee needs and making breakfast.


His Deed/The Day: Give them something to eat played into the deed today, too. We went to church and sat behind a nice family who was attending All Saints for the second time. After the service, we were talking and found ourselves whisked off to the Christian Eduction Building for a "Newcomers Lunch" Father Gee and Father Tom had planned for them and another new family. Who said there's no such thing as a free lunch! Next thing we know, we're enjoying a nice little lunch with these two families talking about all the things we love about our quirky little church. We were the only other people at the lunch besides the clergy and these two new families. It was a completely unplanned, unscripted occurrence, but it felt like we had a role in the meeting that was meant to be somehow. Not like we're such exciting company, but we played a role was helpful — hopefully.

Day 142

Scripture: Ps 75, 76, 23, 27;  2 Samuel 5:22—6:11; Acts 17:16-34; Mark 8:1-10


Scripture standout: Ps 27: "¹³ I remain confident of this: 
   I will see the goodness of the LORD 
   in the land of the living."

Acts 24: "²⁴ “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. ²⁵ And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else...²⁷ God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ²⁸ ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’^[a] As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’^[



Morning thoughts: We all see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living — this much I know for sure after being knee-deep into this 40-Day+ challenge of doing one good deed a day. Examples and reminders are EVERYWHERE. It's just a matter of seeing them. Waking up each morning, meditating on some scripture and asking to be a small blessing to someone each day is just a small drop in the bucket. But look around — you'll see people's little blessings blossom into world-changers.

I defy anyone to watch this video from Hottie Brian Williams' Making a Difference broadcast last night — and not tear up from the story's poignancy. This nine-year-old girl, whose deed started out as fundraiser for clean drinking water in Africa in lieu of birthday presents, ended up changing thousands of hearts and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars. Even in her death, this girl's seemingly small act of kindness exploded into something beyond comprehension. Do our small acts have similar effects — multiplying on levels we are never aware of? Is that the way God's blessings work?



http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#43950745




His Deed/The Day: Donated $9 to her fundraising campaign...

Day 141

Scripture: Ps 69, 73;  2 Samuel 5:1-12; Acts 17:1-15; Mark 7:24-37


Scripture standout: Mark 7: "²⁸ “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”


Morning thoughts: The dog under our table certainly eats our crumbs. Dot, our little French Pointer, will glady accept anything that falls her way. Sometimes, when the kids aren't looking, she'll nab their sandwiches or chips if they've gotten to engrossed in another activity. She's also been known to whisk chicken off the top of a full garbage can. We had a springer one time who would jump up on the counter and paw things off to eat them. He ate a whole pyrex dish of chocolate cake one time! Amazingly, this act did not kill him. Instead it provided fabulous entertainment for us because the doctor's prescription was giving him at least six oral shots of Hydrogen Peroxide. You've never seen a plate of chocolate cake come up so fast!

Point being...even the dogs, the lowest of the low in any pack or family or community, long for the food on the table. Just like the Greek woman whose daughter had some "unclean spirit," and was healed.


His Deed/The Day: Followed up and checked in with a family struggling. Gave a focused, genuine, real smile to the gal unloading stuff at Goodwill. It was hot, I had boob sweat, and all I wanted to do was throw some things at her and squeal away with the ac blasting my pits — but it occurred to me that if she  could take the time to be real for a minute, I sure could return it joyfully and sincerely.

Day 140

Scripture: Ps 71, 74; 2 Samuel 4:1-12; Acts 16:25-40; Mark 7:1-23


Scripture standout: Ps 71: "⁵ My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, 
   of your saving acts all day long— 
   though I know not how to relate them all. "

Ps 74: "¹⁶ The day is yours, and yours also the night;
   you established the sun and moon.
¹⁷ It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth;
   you made both summer and winter."



Morning thoughts: Wait for it. Wait. For. It. Any minute now...the words will surely come. Maybe not right this second because the kids are still in a morning haze on the couch. But surely, the words will come: "Mom, what are we doing today?" Their expectant voices are waiting for my chipper response of something like, "Oh darling children, I'm whisking you away to Adventure Landing today. And tomorrow it's off to a day of fun at the bowling alley. After that, we'll hop over to the movie theatre and eat lots and lots of popcorn! Disney World is next on the schedule! And then maybe we'll have just enough time for the Apple store where I'll buy you the very latest in i-whatever technology." Instead, what they'll hear is that we're cleaning out drawers today. And then we might hit the grocery store — if, they're lucky. Then, of course, it's summer reading and homework time.

I am such a Bummer Mother!


His Deed/The Day: Today deeding collided with working. I had the opportunity to interview a great teacher at Northwestern Middle School. He's definitely in the trenches. I listened to his stories about encouraging and supporting students and how important it is "to be there" and to expose these kids to things they've never done before: like crossing the bridge. Or seeing the ocean. Teachers who think they can spend eight hours in the classroom and be done? They're just kidding themselves, said the man who "has no life" because he give it all to his students. In late August, I'll get to help share his story of unselfishness and teaching expertise. I feel blessed to help facilitate the opportunity.

Day 139

Scripture: Ps 72, 119:73-96; 2 Samuel 3:22-39; Acts 16:16-24; Mark 6:47-56


Scripture standout:
 Ps 119: "⁷³ Your hands made me and formed me; 
   give me understanding to learn your commands."

Mark 6: "⁴⁸ He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, ⁴⁹ but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, ⁵⁰because they all saw him and were terrified.   Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” ⁵¹ Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed,"

Today's verse from Bgateway (just for fun, a real winner): "“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,”Hebrews 12:1 NIV"


Morning thoughts: I really needed that last little reminder. I have been running consistently for almost six years. Nearly every morning during the school, I run roughly 6 miles and talk big plans with RB. We do it under the cover of darkness, so by 6:30 most mornings I've exercised, showered and spent a little quiet time. I am definitely running with perseverance. During the summer, however, I take on every that hinders me and easily entangles me. I remind myself that it is too hot to run effectively. So I end up taking shorter runs and walking a good bit. This is not a bad thing at all. It IS too hot to run effectively during the summer in Florida! People die out there! But I don't need to be afraid of coming up short. I need to remember where my strength comes from, and who's marked out the race for me. Today, on a balmy but cloudy Florida morning, I ran the longest I have all summer.


His Deed/The Day: David can be very annoying when it comes to a fresh, heaping bowl of cereal. When you're not looking, he horks a HUGE first bite — throwing off the carefully measured balance of milk and good stuff. It happens nearly every time I pour myself a bowl of cereal. Sometimes, if I've made myself some delish Lucky Charms or something else with special morsels in it, the bite he takes will include an inordinate proportion of them — leaving me with the boring grains. (this is is how my cereal bowl sometimes looks:)

(this is secretly the way I wish it always looked:)

This morning, I saw his ears perk when I poured cereal in the bowl. I saw the back of his neck bristle as he was peanut-buttering his dry English muffin. So I offered the first bit to him. Without hesitation he grabbed the spoon and slurped a spoonful. As I watched him wipe milk from the corner of his mouth with the back of his work shirt, I know he appreciated it. Deed. Done.


Also, finally donated to the fund for the two boys who survived a family car crash that killed their parents.


Lastly, some final ... and always inspiring!... words from a Hottie Brian Williams "Making a Difference" story.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/ns/nightly_news/#43903066

Day 138

Scripture: Ps 61, 62, 68; 2 Samuel 3:6-21; Acts 16:6-15; Mark 6:30-46.


Scripture standout: Ps 62: "¹ Truly my soul finds rest in God; 
   my salvation comes from him. 
² Truly he is my rock and my salvation; 
   he is my fortress, I will never be shaken."

Mark 6: "³² So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place."

Morning thoughts: These are not morning thoughts, they're late afternoon almost suppertime thoughts. I made the mistake this morning of cracking my email inbox first — before my run and before some quiet time. Wouldn't you  know, the emails consumed me quickly — and from there, not a moment of the day was free to just sit. And read. And go to a solitary place.

I love being solitary. The idea of being by myself, away from extraneous noise and needful people, is what often recharges my batteries. After Marley was born, I got a hotel room about five miles away from the house and just spent a night there. By. My.Self. I used every towel. I took long showers. I stared mouth agape at the television set. I slept late. I listened to my thoughts. I was recharged. The unfortunate thing, is I could do this once a week!

Maybe that's why I should protect my morning quiet time a little better than this.


His Deed/The Day: I admired a newborn at the store today. I ooed and awed over the little 5-week old peanut. Don't I remember those days like they were yesterday! I loved that attention, it made me feel so proud and purposeful after many sleepless nights and feeling like I had no clue what I was doing.

Day 137

Scripture: Ps 7:1-10; Jeremiah 45:1-5; Acts 11:27—12:3; Matthew 20:20-28


Scripture standout: Matthew 20: "Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ²⁷ and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— ²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”


Morning thought: This is very sad, but I read it just after I closed my blogger page to do a quick CNN check before my run. I was amazed by the example, thought you might be, too. It's a bit of a downer to start the day on. It's about a little girl who dies at the age of nine. It's not a nice thought, but what happens afterward is:

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/07/24/girl-dies-after-crash-selfless-act-inspires-thousands-in-donations/?hpt=hp_c2


His Deed/The Day: I had a massage tonight. And it was a long time coming. Actually, I had one while David and I were in North Carolina at that fine, fine spa resort. But the tummy bug problem made it virtually impossible to enjoy the experience — I was afraid that one wrong rub might have resulted in another trip to the bathroom! So let's just say I was looking forward to tonight's relaxation. It was the last of the "me things" to accomplish halfway through the summer. With highlights, a haircut and a pedicure under my belt, the massage was the big icing on the cake. Amber, the massage therapist is super duper extra special awesome. I love the way she makes my shoulder tightness just pop away. I pray my feet don't cramp up when she's working them over and adore more than anything the scalp rub. I love it all so much I drool through the headrest. Sometimes I get so out of it I snore. Sometimes I snore so sharply that I wake myself up. This time, however, I decided I would pray for her — at least for 10 or 15 minutes. I just asked that she have joy and happiness and feel God's presence. I wondered what her life challenges might be, and what she might hope for herself. For 10 or 15 minutes, at least I think it was 10 or 15 minutes (it could have been one...I have no idea how time passes that quickly during a  massage), I thought about the person who was giving me the gift of relaxation — instead of how relaxed I was getting.

Day 136

Scripture: Ps 105:1-11; Genesis 29:15-28; Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52


Scripture standout: Romans 8 "³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[c] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."


Another random one from Biblegateway:

“Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.” Psalm 112:5 NIV


Morning thoughts: Today I have generously lent out my family to several sources for the selfish purpose of enjoying a day to myself. I'm not sure if that means good will come to me or not, but it feels nice to have some silence — at least a day of it, to boot! Marley is staying at the home of a new camp friend from Orlando, and Ben and David have gone out to the beach to spend time with visiting family. And here I sit, pleased as punch that I have put away all the clean laundry, started the dishwasher, unthawed chicken for tonight's dinner and made all the beds. Now what, is my thought. And I am relishing the sound of it. Now what. It feels nice to ponder my decadent options — one of which is, to do absolutely nothing but sit here a minute!



His Deed/The Day: I went to the "outdoor lifestyle mall" of ours, St. Johns Town Center, to troll the back to school section of Target and check out a couple of places. I stopped for many early Sunday afternoon shoppers crossing the road, without impatience. Then more. Then some more. And with the last, "no you go 'head," a space opened up in front of the store I needed to dash into for a second. Good parking karma? Or something else...

Second deed, picked up a friend from the airpot. More low-hanging, grab-able fruit. Love it.

Day 135

Scripture: Ps 55, 138;  2 Samuel 1:1-16; Acts 15:22-35; Mark 6:1-13


Scripture standout: Ps 55: "²² Cast your cares on the LORD 
   and he will sustain you;"

Morning thoughts: I let my cares get the best of me all the time. Then I realize it, try to file it all away efficiently and present a final report that it's all under control — thanks, of course, to me and my skillful organizational ways. Then I wake up again in the morning and all the paperwork is scattered around again in my brain, and I go through the same process. My little internal secretary's running around frantically trying to fix it all. Why is it so hard to remember that I can just take all those extraneous files and toss the whole kit-in-kaboodle to God?


His Deed/The Day: Passed along congratulations to someone who has a new job.

Day 134

Scripture: Ps 42:1-7; Judith 9:1, 11-14; 2 Corinthians 5:14-18; John 20:11-18


Scripture standout: 2 Corinthians 5: "¹⁶ So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view."


Morning thoughts: What a fun challenge! I was thinking yesterday about the hospital, and what an awesome place it is to see tangible example of God at work. But can't we see that in everyone, every place? Maybe so, maybe it can be a new game. Instead of a doctor, I can see God's healing properties. Instead of the nice, old lady bagging my food up at Publix, I can see God working to contain or sharing joy in sweet, short old lady stories. Instead of the mean people next door, maybe I can see, well, geez. That they're God's tools, too. No pun intended, promise.


His Deed/The Day: Thank you, Firehouse Subs! The Afghans leave, and the in comes Marley's new fascination with a hot, plan ham sandwich and a Coke mix drink. Firehouse Subs allow you to donate your change to victims of fire. When there is low-hanging fruit in front of me, I like to grab it and run!

Day 133

Scripture: Ps 66, 67;  1 Samuel 28:3-20; Acts 15:1-11; Mark 5:1-20


Scripture standout: Ps 66: "¹ Shout for joy to God, all the earth! 
 ² Sing the glory of his name; 
   make his praise glorious. 
³ Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!"

Acts 15: "⁴ When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them."

Morning thoughts: Just can't get enough of this Wolfson Children's Hospital! Today, David had to come here for heart surgery. His doctor is a pediatric cardiologist who has done many PFO, or "little heart hole" procedures. Everything went well and happened quickly and efficiently. David's hole is now patched and he can resume normal activity tomorrow, when he'll be discharged.

The hospital is a place full of deeds and miracles — it's filled to the brim with tangible examples of God working through the capable hands of doctors and nurses. You see parents loving their children and receive support and prayers from friends. As grim and terrible as a hospital sounds, God definitely lives there.


His Deed/The Day: Not a deed, exactly, but I was present for the afternoon. And heck, I got some work done, too...hallelujah!

Day 132

Scripture: Ps 119:49-72; Ps 49; 1 Samuel 25:23-44; Acts 14:19-28; Mark 4:35-41


Scripture standout: Ps 49: "⁶ Do not be overawed when others grow rich, 
   when the splendor of their houses increases; 
¹⁷ for they will take nothing with them when they die, 
   their splendor will not descend with them. 
¹⁸ Though while they live they count themselves blessed— 
   and people praise you when you prosper— 
¹⁹ they will join those who have gone before them, 
   who will never again see the light of life."



Morning thoughts: Finally, after many long weeks, I did sit on the couch for an hour or two clutching a cold glass of chardonnay and watching my favorite Housewives show on television. Though minus the cheese puffs, it was relaxing and indulgent. It was a re-run of the NYC housewives followed by some NJ girls. The NJ housewives are among the worst — they live in opulence and throw lavish, cheesy parties while they discuss foreclosure and bankruptcy in the next breath.

I do not see much of this overindulgent lifestyle in my little world. But I do have friends who have the nicer cars or mongo homes. Some have help during the day or don't work — giving them time to pursue yoga and eat lunch...out. I also have friends who are so married to their work and making a career that they have very little else.

It is hard to put success and fulfillment in term's of God's blessings — especially when you're comparing intangible experiences to fancy stuff or lifestyles. But it sure does feel good when you do. Now off to run for the first early morning in a while.


His Deed/The Day: Hosted friends for dinner. Fun and easy. Especially when husband grills.

Day 131

Scripture: Ps 45, 47, 48; 1 Samuel 25:1-22; Acts 14:1-18; Mark 4:21-34


Scripture standout: Mark 4: "²¹ He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? ²²For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open."


Morning thoughts: Hide it under a  bushel, no! I'm gonna let it shine! Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine! Memories of camp are sweet. I remember singing that ditty at camp, which I was NOT into by the way. Yet, I am VERY glad my own children enjoy camp and am pleased to know they are hearing this message times 10 while they are there.

Obviously, the main man is talking about sharing the Christ spirit and that flame that can touch others so deeply. But what's all that talk about what's hidden is mean to be disclosed and concealed things being brought out in the open? When does one hide something, or keep it concealed?

Take yesterday for example. I was very, very put out by an event I won't describe (because it involves folks I wouldn't want to "out") — one that involves someone taking advantage of my time. I was beyond angry for many reasons! Yet, when the apology came, I did not share my sharp feelings. I just said "no worries." Is that wrong? Or is scripture being fulfilled because I'm disclosing it right now?

When should opinions, feelings or acts be hidden, and when should they be out there like an open booke?


His Deed/The Day: Marley was really hungry this afternoon after her fencing camp. Marley, the child of mine who doesn't eat, requested a hot turkey sandwich from Firehouse Subs. In my flabbergasted state that she was actually requesting a semihealthy food source, I made haste with her to the restaurant. Our tab was $7.14. The cashier asked if I wanted to "round up" and help wildfire victims. Again, without reservation, I said yes and thanked him for the opportunity. Thank goodness for that, because I was beginning to wonder how hard it was going to be to continue deeding without Afghan children in the house.

Day 130

Scripture: Ps 41, 52, 44; 1 Samuel 24:1-22; Acts 13:44-52; Mark 4:1-20


Scripture standout: Ps 41: "¹ Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; 
   the LORD delivers them in times of trouble."

Morning thoughts: This is interesting, the phrase "have regard for" the weak. It doesn't say help the weak. Or feel sorry for the weak or pity them say prayers for the week. To have regard is to "think highly of" or "esteem" or "respect" someone or something. Respect the weak. That's telling.

Today is Ashraf's last day at the house. He's all pin-turned up and ready for the next chapter of his healing — and in a few months, a return home to Afghanistan. I think all along I have been feeling sorry for Ashraf as a primary motivator to our helping him. Maybe I need to turn this all around! Maybe I need to focus on the other obvious — the fact that he is a strong, brave boy with a weak leg. I need to have regard for this even more!

Ashraf has been here away from his family of 10 brothers and sisters for nearly five months. He talks to his parents only occasionally, he's endured painful surgeries and a course of treatment that is barbaric in some ways. He moves from house to house without trepidation. He uses his crutches skillfully and nimbly. He is strong and helpful and polite. I regard that very much.


His Deed/The Day: I went on a short run this morning. Said a quick prayer for everyone I passed to find joy in their day.

Day 129

Scripture:  Ps 86:11-17; Isaiah 44:6-8; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43


Scripture standout: Ps 86: "¹¹ Teach me your way, LORD, 
   that I may rely on your faithfulness; 
give me an undivided heart, 
   that I may fear your name."

His Deed/The Day: Give me an undivided brain, too! I think I'm a two-trick pony. I can handle two things at a time, max. Add more on and this pony starts to get mad cow disease. There is a busy week ahead with deadlines, board orientation meetings, telling Ashraf goodbye and getting David to the hospital Thursday for heart surgery. All the while, I'm trying to get the kids off and occupied and away from the house. Try as I might, I just can't manage to clear the decks and do what I love to do most — be alone in front of a marathon evening of Housewives of Whatever County, clutching an icy cold glass of chardonnay in one hand and a bag of healthy cheese puffs in the other. I am beginning to feel like I am velcro, and things are always going to be stuck to me — making my visions of cheese puff residue-ridden solitude a big, fat, unreality.

So the deed, already. OK. Today's deed. I'll be honest. We were invited to spend a lovely two days at the beach with RB, the best buddy in the world — at a beautiful home where the children run off and disappear and just have fun. You know what RB said? She said, don't bring anything. You've been hosting all summer, come let us host you. Just come. Ahhhhh, what an offer!!!! It took a minute, but when we arrived I slipped into my bathing suit and relax mode. A margarita on the beach helped greatly. I dug my feet in the sand. I smiled. Then I winced. I ruminated over how sick I was of serving. Isn't that terrible? I seethed how if I had to get one more Coke, please, or water please, or watched one more person just sit and wait for the next big activity, I was going to scream something not so nice. Terrible. Today's deed was to continue to ask, and continue to serve the bloody Coke.

Lord, give me an undivided heart and mind — just for one more day and a few more weeks.

Day 128

Scripture: Ps 30, 32, 42, 43;  1 Samuel 22:1-23; Acts 13:26-43; Mark 3:19-35


Scripture standout: Ps 30: "⁴ Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people; 
   praise his holy name. 
⁵ For his anger lasts only a moment, 
   but his favor lasts a lifetime; 
weeping may stay for the night, 
   but rejoicing comes in the morning."

Mark 3: "³⁴ Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! ³⁵ Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”"

Morning thoughts: Ashraf is leaving our house on Monday after nearly three months. I am ready to have my house back and to re-focus on our routine, and the children's needs. Or am I? I have been on this ride with all the other Solace families all summer long. It has been a whirlwind at times. There has been weeping at night and angry moments and frustrations. I have barely been able to write two sentences for the newspaper or for this blog without someone just behind me, or someone calling out for "mom!" But rejoicing has come each morning. And I feel quite certain that it will be joyful to look back on all the hard work from this summer. And I think i might even...miss it.



His Deed/The Day: Checked in with some family who has had some health struggles.

Day 127

Scripture: Ps 31, 35; 1 Samuel 21:1-15; Acts 13:13-25; Mark 3:7-19


Scripture standout: Ps 31: "¹⁴ But I trust in you, LORD; 
   I say, “You are my God.” 
¹⁵ My times are in your hands;"



Morning thoughts: Lord, give me the strength to work and be party captain at the same time in this house today.


His Deed/The day: Second to the last day of Ashraf's pin-turning assistance. Also, does going to see "Monte Carlo" with two preteens count as a deed? Especially if I actually watched the movie? (and secretly enjoyed it?)

In all honesty, I tried to make a small donation to the fund for a family in Texas. My Pay Pal account is all messed up, so I couldn't do it. Maybe someone else will have better luck than I did. I can't stop thinking about this family, the Berry Family. The look like a fun, All-American young family...two young boys and a little sister. Last week, they were en route to Houston from a vacation in Colorado. On a two-lane highway, another car ran into their mini-van, killing the precious parents and paralyzing both boys beneath their waist. The little girl is OK. They're living with an uncle and aunt now. I know our lives are like a breath, but I wish this family had many more together:

The Berry Family Donation Site

Day 126

Scripture: Ps 38, 119:25-48; 1 Samuel 20:1-23; Acts 12:18-25; Mark 2:13-22


Scripture standout: Acts 12: "²³ Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died."


Morning thoughts: Thank you, God! For everything! Please don't let the worms eat me, or anyone I know and love, today!


His Deed/The Day: Freezable dinner drive-by drop-offs for two families going through big struggles right now. Now, off to celebrate 15 years of wedded bliss with David at Bistro Aix.

Day 125

Scripture: Ps 26, 28, 36, 39; 1 Samuel 19:1-18; Acts 12:1-17; Mark 2:1-12


Scripture standout: Ps 39: "Everyone is but a breath, 
   even those who seem secure.^[b]

Mark 2: "¹ A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. ² They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. ³ Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. ⁴ Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. ⁵ When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Morning thoughts: The Solace kids, including Qudrat, are leaving on a big airplane from Jacksonville to Dulles to Dubai to  Kabul today. It is bittersweet, but mostly bitter. Quodrat does not want to go home to his orphanage. There have been tears. My gut is wrenched, and I know his is, too.

It has been an amazing summer establishing new friendships with incredible young people and children. It's hard to say goodbye. Ashraf will be here for at least another two months. He doesn't know this yet, but he's going to stay with another family soon. Saying good bye is so hard, but necessary I guess. But the big lesson here has been the community that formed around and through and with these children. It was not unlike the paralyzed man being lifted through the roof — to quote Hilary, it does take a village.



His Deed/The Day: I am spent and have very few words to share. The kids have made it to their Dubai flight. It is the end of a very long day. I drank almost an entire bottle of Chardonnay tonight — the first glass of which I enjoyed in my bed (of all places!) while working intently for the first time in weeks. I guess today's deed was letting go.